D5000 flash stopped flashing, ideas?

I have a friend who uses a d5000 and built-in flash, it stopped flashing the other day, though it will still pop up.
is this common with the d5000 series? I (sort of) knew it was common on the old d40 line.

Is the bulb likely bad, or is it something else that goes instead?

So rise up, o ye lost ones
As one we will claw the clouds
Rise up, the forsaken and dethroned
A legion wronged, to claw the clouds

Re: D5000 flash stopped flashing, ideas?

With any 'pop up' flash, there is a switch that turns it on as it pops up. This is a potential weak link. The mechanical link between the flash head and the camera body where hte switch is located as well as the switch contacts are vulnerable. It shouldn't cost too much to replace. However, with such switches, it is sometimes possible to get it working again simply by operating it repeatedly i.e. by raising and lowering the flash, checking regularly that if it is working.

Another possibility, admittedly a remote possibility, is that the battery is low. The flash draws a high current initially. It is just about possible that the battery is able to operate the camera but can't cope with the flash. Try recharging the battery or even borrow one: costs nothing and might just work!